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- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the removal of retired General Mark Milley’s security detail and initiated an investigation into his conduct.
- The investigation aims to determine if Milley should be reduced in rank from his current four-star status.
- Milley had clashed with President Trump on several key issues during Trump’s first term.
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Essential Context
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken significant action against retired General Mark Milley, stripping him of his security detail and security clearance. This move follows a long history of tension between Milley and President Trump, who had appointed Milley as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during his first term.
Core Players
- Pete Hegseth – Defense Secretary
- Mark Milley – Retired General, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Donald Trump – Former President
- Joe Biden – Former President (issued preemptive pardon to Milley)
Key Numbers
- 4 – Milley’s current star rank under investigation
- 2019-2023 – Milley’s tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- 2020 – Year of the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, leading to ongoing Iranian threats against Milley
- Jan. 20, 2023 – Date of Milley’s retirement
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The Catalyst
The decision to investigate Milley and revoke his security detail was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This move is seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address what it perceives as Milley’s undermining of the chain of command.
“Undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership,” stated Joe Kasper, Defense Department Chief of Staff.
Inside Forces
Milley and Trump had a tumultuous relationship, marked by several public disagreements. One notable incident was Milley’s apology for participating in a photo op with Trump during the George Floyd protests in June 2020. Milley later expressed regret for his presence, saying it created a perception of the military being involved in domestic politics.
Milley also made headlines for his phone calls with Chinese General Li Zuocheng to assure him that the U.S. would not launch an attack on China during Trump’s final weeks in office. Trump labeled these calls as “treasonous” and suggested they could warrant execution.
Power Dynamics
The Trump administration’s actions against Milley reflect a deep-seated animosity that has been building since Trump’s first term. Trump nominated Milley to head the Joint Chiefs, but their relationship deteriorated over time, particularly after Milley spoke out against Trump’s actions and policies.
Milley’s comments, including calling Trump “the most dangerous person in this country” and a “total fascist,” have been cited as potential grounds for the investigation.
Outside Impact
The removal of Milley’s security detail has been met with strong criticism, particularly from Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, who argued that this decision puts Milley and his family at grave risk due to credible threats from Iran.
The move also follows the removal of Milley’s official portrait from the Pentagon, a decision that congressional Democrats have denounced as petty.
Future Forces
The investigation and potential demotion of Milley could set a precedent for how the military and government handle dissent and criticism from senior officers. Civil military experts have noted that such actions are unusual and may be part of a broader strategy to silence dissent within the senior officer ranks.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, especially given the preemptive pardon issued by former President Joe Biden, which may complicate the Trump administration’s ability to take disciplinary action against Milley.
Data Points
- June 2020: Milley apologizes for his appearance at a photo op during the George Floyd protests.
- Oct. 30, 2020, and Jan. 8, 2021: Milley makes phone calls to Chinese General Li Zuocheng.
- Jan. 20, 2023: Milley retires from his position as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Jan. 20, 2023: Former President Joe Biden issues a preemptive pardon to Milley.
- Jan. 29, 2025: Hegseth orders the removal of Milley’s security detail and initiates an investigation into his conduct.
The tensions between the Trump administration and General Milley highlight significant challenges to the apolitical nature of the military and raises questions about the boundaries of dissent and criticism within the armed forces. As this situation unfolds, it will likely have far-reaching implications for military governance and national security.
